By RUSSELL BENNETT
NEW Emerald and District Rotary president Kristine Ash is out to break some of the stereotypes associated with the Rotary movement.
Along with now former president Ian Wakefield, Ms Ash is determined to see the club move forward and appeal to a younger demographic in the process.
“We’re not the grey-haired old people selling sausages by the roadside,” Mr Wakefield said.
“Gone are the days when Rotary clubs are only open to local business people.
“This is open to everyone in the local community to get involved.”
Mr Wakefield handed over the reins at the club’s annual changeover late last month to Ms Ash, both a tireless worker with ’Everyday Hero’ and an integral part of the Emerald Business Group.
Under her leadership in the next 12 months, Emerald Rotary will again be involved in its traditional projects – the highly-successful Great Community Raffle, All American Car Display, Rotary Debutante Ball and Kids Fun Run with Thomas.
But the club is also looking to expand its reach – with Ms Ash indicating it is looking to set up a Facebook account to attract to a younger demographic.
The club will take an active involvement in Rotary International projects, such as the fight against polio, but its commitment to helping the hills community will once again rise to new heights.
Locals can approach the club identifying a local needy project – with Ms Ash emphasising that the club wants to work in close proximity with other community bodies.
The club is clearly punching above its weight – achieving remarkable feats with just 38 members.
But Ms Ash said “we really want to be truly recognised as part of this community.”
“We’re always looking for new residents to the area to join,” she said.
“It’s a great way of finding friends.”
Former club president Tina McInerney was honoured at the recent changeover with a Paul Harris Fellow for her exception contribution to her local community, while Russ Nielsen – a member of the club since its inception in 1980 – also attended.
Emerald and District Rotary will again raise money for the children’s ward at Ferntree Gully’s Angliss Hospital this year but is on the lookout for ideas for its next major community project. For more information, or to get involved with the club, visit: www.emeraldrotary.org.au.
